Keratin is a fibrous protein that makes up the main structure of nails, hair, and the outer layer of skin. Without keratin, the nail plate would not have its durability, elasticity, or protective function.
The nail plate consists of several layers of tightly packed keratin cells, which provide:
When keratin is healthy, nails are clear, smooth, and strong. If the keratin structure is compromised, nails become brittle, dull, and prone to peeling or splitting.
Factors That Weaken Keratin
There are several common reasons why the keratin structure of nails can be damaged:
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What is the Cuticle
When people ask what is the cuticle, they often picture the skin at the base of the nail that sometimes becomes dry or ragged. In reality, the cuticle is one of the most misunderstood parts of the nail unit. Knowing what is the cuticle and understanding its role is essential for keeping nails healthy, preventing problems, and protecting the nail matrix from damage.
What Is the Cuticle? Explained in Simple Terms
The cuticle is a thin, transparent layer of dead skin cells. It grows out from underneath the Proximal Nail Fold (PNF) and sticks to the nail plate. The PNF is the band of living skin at the base of your nail. The nail plate is the hard part you see and trim.
Think of the cuticle as a delicate, see-through strip of clingfilm. Sitting on top of the nail plate, it marks the point where the nail meets the skin. Unlike living skin, the cuticle has no blood vessels. Softer than normal skin, it is only partly keratinized.
What the Cuticle Is Not
Many people think the cuticle is the thicker skin you can see sitting on top of the PNF, but that is not correct. That thickened skin is usually hyperkeratosis, not cuticle.
Hyperkeratosis: A thickening of the outer layer of living skin caused by an overproduction of keratin. On the nails, this can happen when the PNF becomes dry or irritated and starts producing extra layers of skin. It feels rough or crusty and can be reduced with gentle care, but it is not attached to the nail plate.
The real cuticle always attaches to the nail plate, never to the living skin above it. If it is on the nail plate, it is cuticle. If it is on the PNF, it is hyperkeratosis.
The Role of the Cuticle in Nail Health
The main purpose of the cuticle is protection. It acts as a natural seal between the nail plate and the PNF, blocking bacteria, fungi, and chemicals from entering the gap and reaching the nail matrix.
An infection or injury to the matrix can permanently affect nail growth. That is why scientists compare the cuticle to a gasket on a jar lid. If the seal is broken, unwanted substances can get inside.
Nail Matrix: The hidden section under the skin where new nail cells are made. If injured, it can cause ridges, dents, or permanent nail deformities.
How the Cuticle Forms
Research shows that special stem cells located at the back edge of the PNF near the nail matrix called the eponychium produce the cells that become cuticle. These cells move forward from under the PNF and attach themselves to the nail plate as it grows out.
Normally, the cuticle is only two or three layers of cells thick. However, if the eponychium area is injured or irritated, the cuticle can become temporarily thicker, sometimes reaching up to five or six layers.
Risks of Over-Manicuring
Some people like the look of nails with the proximal nail fold completely removed. But cutting or scraping away too much can cause problems. Removing the cuticle too aggressively weakens the protective seal. This makes it easier for bacteria and fungi to get in. The result is a higher risk of infection and inflammation around the nail.
Because the cuticle is made of dead tissue, you can carefully remove it from the nail plate without causing bleeding. However, it is important to be gentle and avoid damaging the living skin of the PNF.
Caring for the Cuticle
Healthy cuticles keep nails strong and reduce the risk of infection. Here are some simple ways to care for them:
Myths About the Cuticle and Nail Care
Myth: The cuticle is the same as the skin around the nail
Truth: The cuticle is dead skin attached to the nail plate, while the skin around the nail is living tissue.
Myth: Removing the cuticle makes nails healthier
Truth: The cuticle’s job is to protect the nail matrix. Over-removal can make nails weaker and more prone to infection.
Myth: Nail and skin oil is just for looks
Truth: Oils keep the cuticle soft and prevent it from lifting, which helps maintain the protective seal.
Proper circulation is essential for maintaining healthy feet. Your feet rely on a steady flow of oxygen-rich blood to nourish tissues, promote healing, and regulate temperature. When circulation is impaired, it can lead to a range of issues, from discomfort and cold feet to more serious complications like non-healing wounds or infections. Common signs of poor circulation in the feet include numbness, tingling, cold sensations, discoloration (bluish or pale toes), swelling, and slow healing of cuts or sores. Ignoring these symptoms can worsen underlying conditions and increase the risk of more severe health problems. Podiatrists play a critical role in identifying and addressing circulation issues. With their expertise, they can pinpoint the cause of poor circulation and develop personalized treatment plans to improve blood flow and enhance overall foot health.
How Does Poor Circulation Impact Your Feet?
The feet are especially susceptible to the effects of poor circulation due to their distance from the heart. Reduced blood flow can result in:
Causes of Poor Circulation in Feet
Several conditions and lifestyle factors can lead to reduced blood flow to the feet:
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common circulatory problem where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs. In the legs, this can cause pain during walking (claudication), coldness in the lower leg or foot, and sores that won’t heal.
Diabetes and Its Effects on Circulation
Diabetes can lead to atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which restricts blood flow. This increases the risk of PAD and can result in slow-healing wounds and infections in the feet.
Lifestyle Factors
Genetic Predispositions
Certain genetic factors can increase susceptibility to circulatory issues, including PAD. For example, specific gene mutations like factor V Leiden can lead to an increased risk of blood clots, which can impede circulation. Understanding these causes is essential for the prevention and effective management of poor circulation in the feet.
What is Raynaud’s?
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition characterized by episodic narrowing of the blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow to extremities such as the fingers and toes. This vasospastic response typically occurs in reaction to cold temperatures or emotional stress.
Impact on Blood Flow to Extremities
During an episode, the small arteries supplying blood to the skin constrict excessively, limiting blood supply to affected areas. This results in a sequence of color changes:
These color changes are often accompanied by sensations of coldness, numbness, tingling, or pain in the affected areas.
Triggers
Common triggers for Raynaud’s episodes include:
Treatment
Management strategies focus on reducing the frequency and severity of attacks:
Lifestyle Modifications:
Medications:
In severe cases, additional treatments may be necessary, and it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for personalized management plans.
Understanding Chilblain’s
Chilblains, also known as pernio, are inflammatory skin lesions that develop after exposure to cold, damp conditions. They result from an abnormal vascular response, where small blood vessels constrict excessively in response to cold, leading to reduced blood flow. Upon rewarming, these vessels may expand too quickly, causing blood to leak into surrounding tissues and resulting in inflammation and skin lesions.
Symptoms
Red, Itchy, Swollen Patches: Affected areas, commonly the toes, exhibit red or purple discoloration accompanied by itching and swelling.
Blistering or Ulceration: In severe cases, the skin may blister or develop ulcers, increasing the risk of infection.
Causes
Prevention and Treatment
By adopting preventive measures and seeking appropriate treatment, individuals can effectively manage and reduce the occurrence of chilblains.
Diagnosing Poor Circulation
Identifying poor circulation is essential for effective treatment and prevention of complications. Podiatrists use a combination of physical assessments, diagnostic tools, and patient history to determine the extent of circulatory issues.
Common Diagnostic Methods
Physical Exams
Healthcare providers examine the feet and legs for signs of poor circulation, such as discoloration, coldness, swelling, non-healing wounds, and changes in nail or skin health. Palpation of pulses in the feet and ankles helps assess blood flow to the extremities.
Blood Flow Tests
You take off your shoes at the end of a long day and wonder what in the world that smell is. You’ve got stinky feet. It’s something that most of us run into at least once in our adult lives, and it is typically those of us who love wearing shoes sans socks, especially in the summer. That smell you notice is most often caused by bacteria and sweat. The combination turns your shoes from fresh to foul and your feet from healthy to help me! Left unchecked, bacteria on the feet can lead to staph infections.
The good news is that you don’t have to visit a professional salon to get and keep your feet in peak condition. There are several things you can do at home to keep bacteria at bay.
1. Baking Soda Bath
Nothing feels quite as good as having a foot soak. It’s a great way to relax, and it can also be a great way to remove bacteria from your feet. Dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda in 4 to 5 liters of hot water. Soak your feet for about 20 minutes and then rub with a pumice stone. Follow with your favorite cream and put on your socks. Do this every day for a week, take a break for a week and so on, for a total of three treatments.
2. Wear Socks
As much as you may hate to do it, wearing socks can help prevent bacteria build-up on your feet and in your shoes. Socks will absorb the sweat from your feet, keeping your shoes nice and dry. Even thin, no-show socks are better than none.
3. Dry Your Feet Well
Drying your feet well isn’t important only for people with diabetes – it benefits everyone. After you bathe or shower, take time to dry your feet with an absorbent towel, paying particular attention to between your toes. Follow up with a great moisturizing cream or lotion.
4. Wear Shower Shoes
Summer is a great time of year to stock up on cheap shower shoes or flip-flops. Wear these anytime you will be walking across areas where other people walk with their bare feet. Pool surrounds, locker rooms and public showers all contain bacteria. Wearing flip-flops will help prevent the bacteria from transferring to your own feet.
5. Change Your Shoes
We all have a favorite, go-to pair of shoes. If you find yourself wearing the same pair everyday, consider purchasing another pair of the same style. This way, you aren’t wearing the same shoes everyday, allowing bacteria to build up so quickly. Additionally, consider spraying the inside of your shoes lightly with an aerosal that kills bacteria and let them air out overnight. Source
